Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to beat the heat than with a cool, refreshing drink? In this article, we’ll share 18 easy and fun recipe ideas that are sure to delight kids (and adults!) of all ages. From fruity smoothies to creamy milkshakes, fizzy mocktails to sweet slushies, our recipes use simple ingredients and techniques to create delicious drinks that are perfect for hot days, picnics, or just relaxing with the family.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sugary soda or just want to add some excitement to your beverage routine, we’ve got you covered. Our recipes are designed to be easy to make and require minimal fuss, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. So grab a glass, get creative, and let’s dive into our collection of refreshing drink recipes for kids!
Fruity Rainbow Smoothie
Brighten up your day with this vibrant smoothie, packed with a rainbow of fruits and a hint of sweetness!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add the frozen mixed berries, sliced banana, and pineapple chunks to a blender.
2. Pour in the Greek yogurt, honey, and almond milk.
3. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is your desired thickness.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Enjoy your colorful and delicious Fruity Rainbow Smoothie!
Strawberry Banana Milkshake
Beat the heat with this refreshing strawberry banana milkshake! A perfect blend of creamy goodness and fruity flavors, it’s a treat for all ages.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
– 1 cup vanilla ice cream
– 1/2 cup milk (whole, skim, or plant-based)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine bananas, strawberries, and ice cream.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add milk and honey; blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy!
Watermelon Lemonade Slush
Beat the heat with this unique and delicious Watermelon Lemonade Slush, perfect for hot summer days. This slushy drink combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of lemonade, creating a refreshing treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine watermelon chunks and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Add lemon juice and blend until well combined.
3. Add water and blend until the mixture is slushy and thick.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Yield: 4-6 servings
Blueberry Coconut Smoothie
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing and healthy blueberry coconut smoothie. The perfect blend of sweet and tangy, it’s a delicious treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine blueberries, coconut, banana, and Greek yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add honey and blend until well combined.
4. Pour in almond milk and blend until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Apple Cinnamon Mocktail
This sweet and spicy mocktail is perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want a drink that’s as flavorful as it is fun. With the combination of apple juice, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
– Sliced apples for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple juice and lemon juice.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and stir well to combine.
3. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve over ice with sliced apples for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Orange Creamsicle Float
Create a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. This Orange Creamsicle Float combines the flavors of orange soda, vanilla ice cream, and creamy whipped topping for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter orange soda
– 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– Sliced orange peel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pour the orange soda into a tall glass filled with ice.
2. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in the glass.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Top the ice cream with the whipped topping.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the second serving.
6. Garnish with sliced orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
A creamy and delicious treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine bananas, peanut butter, and vanilla yogurt.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and add honey if desired for extra sweetness.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None – just blend!
Enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!
Pineapple Coconut Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing Pineapple Coconut Cooler! This tropical drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Pineapple Coconut Cooler over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in no time.
Enjoy your refreshing Pineapple Coconut Cooler!
Berry Blast Iced Tea
Quench your thirst with this fruity and revitalizing tea recipe that combines the sweetness of mixed berries with the subtle taste of black tea. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and add the mixed berries. Let them infuse in the tea for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses to remove the solids.
5. Add honey to taste, if desired.
6. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including steeping and infusion time)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake
A decadent treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with the smoothness of a milkshake, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the ice cream, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the milk and honey to the blender. Blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as needed.
4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. If desired, add ice cubes to thicken the milkshake.
5. Enjoy your creamy chocolate peanut butter milkshake!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Green Monster Smoothie (Spinach & Mango)
This refreshing smoothie combines the health benefits of spinach with the natural sweetness of mango, creating a delicious and nutritious treat. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding more honey or mango.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy!
Raspberry Lime Sparkler
Quench your thirst with this refreshing sparkling drink perfect for warm weather gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh raspberries and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the raspberries until smooth.
2. Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
3. Add the lime juice and sugar (if using) to the strained raspberry mixture. Stir until dissolved.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the raspberry-lime mixture over the ice.
5. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Vanilla Honey Milk
Relax with a warm and comforting glass of Vanilla Honey Milk, perfect for any time of day or evening. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the creaminess of milk and the warmth of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and honey until dissolved.
3. Pour into a cup or mug and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tropical Mango Lassi
Transport yourself to the tropical islands with this refreshing drink that combines sweet mango puree with creamy yogurt and spices. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique beverage for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or non-fat)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango puree, yogurt, honey, and milk. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the ground cardamom and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6 drinks
Cherry Lemon Spritzer
Beat the heat with this revitalizing drink that combines the sweetness of cherries with the brightness of lemon. Perfect for a summer evening or a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup cherry juice (such as tart cherry or pomegranate)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Sliced lemons and cherries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sparkling water, cherry juice, and lemon juice.
2. Stir in the simple syrup until fully dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the spritzer over ice in tall glasses.
5. Garnish with sliced lemons and cherries.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Grapefruit Mint Cooler
Revitalize your senses with this refreshing Grapefruit Mint Cooler, perfect for hot summer days or as a revitalizing pick-me-up any time of the year. This citrusy and herbaceous drink is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup mint syrup (see note)
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Slices of fresh grapefruit for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice and lime juice.
2. Add mint syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with slices of fresh grapefruit and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Note: To make mint syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Caramel Apple Cider
This recipe combines the flavors of fall with a hint of caramel sweetness, making it the perfect drink for crisp autumn days. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be sipping on this delicious cider in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche or caramel syrup)
– 1 cinnamon stick, optional
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm.
2. Add the caramel sauce to the cider mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the cider has reached your desired temperature.
4. Strain the cider into mugs or a thermos if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if using.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Iced Chocolate Milk with Whipped Cream
Beat the heat with this refreshing Iced Chocolate Milk recipe, topped with fluffy whipped cream!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until well combined.
2. Add vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Top each glass with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
– For a thicker whipped cream, chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before whipping.
Enjoy your cooling treat!
Summary
Get ready to quench your kids’ thirst with these 18 refreshing drink recipes! From fruity smoothies to creamy milkshakes and fizzy mocktails, there’s something for every young palate. Recipes include Fruity Rainbow Smoothie, Strawberry Banana Milkshake, Watermelon Lemonade Slush, and many more. Perfect for hot summer days or a quick pick-me-up after school, these drinks are easy to make and fun for kids to help with. So grab the ingredients and get mixing – your little ones will love you for it!
